A message for Cr Dickinson and Cr Hayes-Burke
- Declare a Climate Emergency, and
- Following community engagement, develop an Emissions Reduction Pledge under the Climate Change Act 2017 and in accordance with the Sustainable Strathbogie 2030 Strategy and Action Plan.
We know there is some concern about this in our community about this. We have seen it on social media.
We want to let you know that we are listening and that we made the decision to defer the NOM to the following Council Meeting to seek input from our community.
We want take this opportunity to explain why we believe leadership is needed on this issue.
The Climate Change science is undeniable.
The global mean surface temperature of the Earth increased by around 0.9°C from 1880 to 2012. The rate of warming has been most rapid in the latter half of the 20th century.
Since the 1980s every decade has been warmer than any other decade since 1850 and each successive decade has been warmer than the previous.
If action is not taken we will see significant impacts in our Shire.
This is not just about the present; it is about protecting the future for our children and their children.
Increasing occurrences of extreme weather events will impact agriculture and tourism in our Shire.
Hotter and drier conditions will create a loss of habitat allowing pest plants and animals to out compete the native species we love so much in our region.
Increasing heat will impact our energy and infrastructure and increase air pollution and community health problems.
Vulnerable communities are at a greater risk of sickness and death due to an increasingly unsafe climate.
Now more than ever, it is important that we recognise that climate change presents
an unprecedented challenge - globally and locally.
The planet's climate is changing, with dangerous heatwaves, droughts, storms, and flooding becoming more intense and destructive.
The declaration of a Climate Emergency by Council demonstrates leadership in increasing awareness on the issue, allocates resources and instigates actions to mitigate against Climate Change.
We want to send a clear message to our community that we are serious about mitigating against the risks that climate change pose for the social, economic, and environmental prosperity of our community.
We have read the comments on social media that deny Climate Change is an issue, we have heard the comments about a lack of community consultation.
None of this changes the fact that our climate is changing, the impacts are catastrophic, and leadership is needed.
Cr Sally Hayes-Burke
Cr Reg Dickinson
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